The University of Wisconsin (UW) has launched an investigation after private photos and video of the school’s women’s volleyball team were shared on the internet. Though the content and extent of the alleged leak are still unclear, one photo reportedly featured several players lifting their bras.
In a statement, UW Athletics clarified that it was looking into this issue in an effort to ensure the privacy of the department’s student-athletes. Those responsible for leaking the photos and videos could face internal discipline and even criminal charges. None of the players are facing disciplinary action.
“The unauthorized sharing is a significant and wrongful invasion of the student-athletes’ privacy, including potential violations of university policies and criminal statutes,” the statement said. “When the student-athletes became aware of the circulating photos, they contacted the UW-Madison Police Department. UWPD is investigating multiple crimes, including sharing sensitive photos without consent. UWPD is not investigating the volleyball student-athletes for wrongdoing in this matter.”
Not every photo or video has been accounted for, but the photo of players lifting their bras was received by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Sentinel reported that the photo appears to have been taken after the team clinched the Big Ten title in Nov. 2021, their third straight since 2019. Most of the photos have been taken down since Wisconsin’s investigation began.
Wisconsin has become a women’s volleyball powerhouse in recent years, reaching the Final Four in its last three seasons. The Badgers are nationally ranked in fifth this year with a 13-3 overall record and 7-1 conference record. The team’s upcoming matchup at home on Oct. 26 against the University of Nebraska, ranked third in the country, has already sold out the UW Field House in Madison.
“Our top priority is supporting our student-athletes and we are providing them with the appropriate services and resources,” UW Athletics stated.
